Oakton College

Generic Course Syllabus

I Course Course Course
Prefix Number Name Credit Lecture Lab
MAT 262 Ordinary Differential Equations 3 3 0
II. Prerequisite
MAT 252 with a grade of C or better or concurrent enrollment in MAT 252.
III. Course (Catalog) Description
This course presents the solution of ordinary linear differential equations of first and second order with
applications, power series, LaPlace transformations and numerical methods. 
IV. Learning Objectives
A. Solve first order differential equations by the methods such as separable equations, exact equations, homogeneous equations, linear equations, and direction fields.
B. Understand the existence and uniqueness of solutions, the structure of solutions of linear equations, and the concept of linear independence and its relationship to the Wronskian.
C. Solve linear equations with constant coefficients by the methods of variation of parameters and undetermined coefficients.
D. Solve linear systems of differential equations by the methods of elimination and eigenvalues.
E. Use Laplace transforms in the solutions of equations.
F. Use power series in the solution of equations.
G. Applications of ordinary differential equations.
V. Academic Integrity
The very nature of higher education requires that students adhere to accepted standards of academic integrity. Therefore Oakton Community College has adopted a Code of Academic Conduct and a Statement of Student Academic Integrity. These may be found in the Student Handbook. You may also find a summary of the Code of Academic Conduct on the College Catalog.  Among the violations of academic integrity listed and defined are: Cheating, plagiarism, falsification and fabrication of records and official documents, personal misrepresentation and proxy, and bribes, favors, and threats.
It is the student's responsibility to be aware of behaviors that constitute academic dishonesty.
Pursuant to the due process guarantees contained in the Policy and Procedures on Student Academic Integrity, the minimum punishment for the first offense for a student found in violation of the standards of academic integrity is failure in the assignment. In addition, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of the Vice-President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.

 
VI. Outline of Topics
  A.  First Order
Differential Equations
  1. Linear equations
  2. Separable equations
  3. Exact equations
  4. Integrating factors
  5. Systems of linear equations
  6. Use of technology to solve differential equations and systems
B.  Second Order 
Linear Differential Equations
1. Homogeneous equations
  2. Reduction methods for order of equations
  3. Homogeneous equations with constant coefficients
  4. Complex roots of auxiliary equations
  5. Nonhomogeneous equations
  6. Method of undetermined coefficients
  7. Method of variation of parameters
  8 Use of technology to support calculations
C.  Applications
1. Growth and decay
2. Mechanics
  3. Vibrations
  4. Spring-mass systems
  5. Electric circuits
D.  Numeric methods
  1. Direction fields
  2. Euler's method
  3. Modified Euler's method
  4. Runge-Kutta method
  5. Use of technology to demonstrate methods
E.  LaPlace transform
  1. Properties of the LaPlace transform
  2. Inverse transform and solution of initial value problems
  3. Use of the LaPlace transform for discontinuous functions
  4. Convolutions calculated by the LaPlace transform
  5. Use of technology to calculate LaPlace transforms
F.  Power series
  1. Power and Taylor series
  2. Regular and ordinary singular points
  3. Frobenius' method

 
VII. Methods of Instruction
(To be completed by instructor.) Methods of presentation can include lectures, discussion, experimentation, audio-visual aids, small-group work and regularly assigned homework. Calculators/computers will be used when appropriate. .  Use of a computer algebra system is recommended. Mathematica, Derive and TI-92 calculators are available for use at the College at no charge.
VIII. Course Practices Required
(To be completed by instructor.)
IX. Instructional Materials
Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems, Computing and Modeling, 2nd edition by Edwards and Penney, Prentice-Hall, 2000.
Computing Projects - Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems, Computing and Modeling, 2nd edition by Edwards and Penney, Prentice-Hall, 2000.
Floppy disks for use in the computer laboratory.
X. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
(To be completed by instructor.)

Evaluation methods can include grading homework, chapter or major tests, quizzes, individual or group projects, calculator/computer projects and a final examination.

XI. Other Course Information
Other course information If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the ASSIST office in Instructional Support Services.  All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.